Comets' audio clips | 2001 Schedule | Roster

Click here to read the interview with Kelley Gibson

 Amanda Lassiter

July 2, 2001

Comets rookie Amanda Lassiter spoke after the team finished preparing for Monday night's game versus the Portland Fire.

KG: Are you going to start tonight?

AL: I guess that's the plan.

KG: With the time you came off the bench, do you feel more comfortable now starting then when the season first started?

AL: I think that was a good thing for me to come off the bench. Get me relaxed; allow me to get into the game and get into the flow of things and get my nerves nice and calm. And just play.

KG: How's your nose?

AL: It's better.

KG: Is it broken?

AL: I think it is. I still can't breathe out of my left side; but I'll be all right.

KG: Are you going to wear anything to protect it?

AL: No, I'm a strong person.

KG: I'm not doubting that. I'm just asking. Let's talk about Portland. Who are you going to defend tonight?

AL: Jackie Stiles.

KG: Well, you did a pretty good job on her last Sunday; so, talk about the difficulties in guarding her.

AL: It's very difficult because she's a great shooter. She has a high arching shot. But, it's hard to get it (the shot) off against somebody with long arms; so, I think that's why I did a good job because I have those long arms and caused her to hesitate to shoot a little bit.

KG: One last question. Have you gone through any rookie orientation stuff?

AL (laughs): No, not really.

KG: No carrying bags? Anything like that?

AL: They have us carrying the uniforms to the rooms; but, it's nothing too bad. 

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 Kelley Gibson Talks after Shootaround

June 21,

Second year guard / forward answer a few of my questions about being named a starter; her new role; playing the Sparks; as well as the new look Compaq Center.

KG: Talk about starting tonight.

Kelley: It feels good. I just want to get out there and do well. Play hard; rebound; do the smart things. I'm excited. We're finally playing a game; so, that's the most exciting thing.

KG: Will you be going up against Mwadi, tonight?   

Kelley: I think Dixon.

KG: Has coached talked to you about being more of a scorer as a starter?

Kelley: Oh no. My responsibilities is to be smart; rebound; play smart; take the shots within the offense. That's my role: to play smart, take the shots when they come and don't force anything. 

KG: Talk about the floor, the trailer, the locker rooms.

Kelley: This is fun.We've been put into situations this year, for instance, the Phoenix trip. where it was kinda crazy. It's kind of another one. But, we can deal with it.The floor is new; it's different colors; the trailer is whatever; but, once we step out on the court, we forget about all that kind of stuff.

KG: Does the floor feel different, softer, harder, or anything like that?

Kelley: No, it feels the same. I think the color may throw it off a little bit; but, the floor feels good. It's brand new. It looks good. It's kind of mismatched (painted areas are black);  but, other than that the seats are the same. Everything else is the same; so, it feels the same. It's still the same Compaq Center to me.

KG: One last thing. Talk about the Sparks tonight. Being 9 - 0 and how they've played so far this year.

Kelley: They're undefeated. They're a great team. Obviously, they haven't lost, yet. They're a great, we're a great team; so, it will be two great teams going at it tonight.

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